UMD Men’s Hockey Group Discussion on the Upcoming Season at NCHC Media Day

UMD will open its regular season with a non-conference series in Bemidji State on October 8th.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Thursday, a media day was held at the Xcel Energy Center for all eight NCHC members. This includes the UMD men’s hockey team, represented by head coach Scott Sandelin and team captain Noah Cates.

We’re just a few weeks away from the start of the UMD men’s hockey team season. And it will be a unique year as the Bulldogs bring back five fifth-year seniors, including two of their top five scorers last season.

“Of course, we’re really lucky to have the experience they have, they won two national championships and were able to show younger guys what it takes,” team captain Noah Cates said.

“They didn’t want to go. They wanted to come back. They were excited to come back. Probably maybe get a little normal college year, so to speak. But also to improve their game and hopefully move on,” said head coach Scott Sandelin.

The entire team will leave for the season fully vaccinated, which is fresh air for sophomore students who had to deal with much more protocols in their first years at UMD.

– I think those guys have a lot to win and a lot to prove in the second normal year. I’m really looking forward to those guys and their steps, ”Cates said.

“[Wyatt] Kaiser had a good year. Connor Kelley performed at the end of the year. Darian Gotz parani. Apparently Blake Biondi showed good signs up and down. He and [Luke] Mylymok, both talented players. They’ve just developed consistency, right? “Sandelin said.

The Bulldogs were selected second in the NCHC pre-season poll. But they know this will be the second competition season with the best programs in the country.

“When all five years are coming back, I think it makes it even better. It will get us ready for the end of the year as we play in the national championship, ”Cates said.

“It’s just getting better. Now we have new coaches bringing in new ideas and change. It’s the best league and hopefully this year we can prove it,” Sandelin said.

UMD will open its regular season with a non-conference series in Bemidji State on October 8th.